Xavier University vs John Carroll University: which has better ROI?
John Carroll University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $114,984 in 7.9 years versus 8 years at Xavier University, on median earnings of $62,860 vs $64,873 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Xavier University | John Carroll University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $32,997 | $28,746 |
| Total net cost | $131,988 | $114,984 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $64,873 | $62,860 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $26,000 |
| Payback | 8 yrs | 7.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $198,272 | $175,016 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Xavier University or John Carroll University?
John Carroll University, at $28,746 a year after aid versus $32,997 — a gap of $4,251 a year, or $17,004 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Xavier University or John Carroll University graduates earn more?
Xavier University graduates report a median $64,873 ten years after entry, $2,013 more than the $62,860 at John Carroll University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Xavier University or John Carroll University?
Xavier University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $26,000 at John Carroll University, a difference of $2,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
79% of students finish at John Carroll University, against 69% at Xavier University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.